Council inspects trail and greenway plan for Spartanburg

Published: Monday, February 25, 2013 at 7:40 p.m.

Last Modified: Monday, February 25, 2013 at 7:40 p.m.

Spartanburg has more than 100 miles of trails, but it's a disconnected system that needs to be linked with additional trails and a planned network, active living advocates told Spartanburg City Council Monday.

City Council will eventually endorse, or reject, the plan developed by Partners for Active Living and Alta Planning and Design planner Jean Crowther after five months of meetings with the public and stakeholders. The result is a Spartanburg Trails and Greenways Plan that outlines how existing trails can be extended so more people, who either use them for exercise or transportation, can benefit.

Partners for Active Living Executive Director Laura Ringo said that since the Rail Trail opened, participation continues to increase annually and people often ask when the trail system will be expanded or connected to other trails.

Ringo said trails are important because they're free to use, easy and safe to use, unify areas of a community, encourage economic development and are a tremendous tourist amenity.

The plan showed that trails, through reductions in carbon emissions, reduced traffic congestion and other benefits, has an economic impact of about $3.7 million annually. That number would increase to $13 million with continued trail investment and increased activity, Crowther said.

Responding to a question by Councilwoman Jan Scalisi, Crowther said the trails, and intersections, would be handicap-accessible. Crowther said planned trails that are included in a planned framework are often good candidates for state and federal grants.

In other business, Spartanburg County Voter Registration and Election Director Henry Laye gave council an update on the new law that requires photo identification to vote beginning in the November elections. To vote, you must present a S.C. driver's license, a S.C. Department of Motor Vehicles identification card, S.C. voter registration card with a photo, federal military identification or a U.S. passport.

Laye said his office is working to send out new voter registration cards to voters in the city after the redistricting process. The new cards will be sent out by the end of July and will be mailed out at the same time, to avoid confusion.

In other business, council unanimously agreed to annex the property at 300 Brian Drive into the city.

Council awarded a bid to Spartanburg-based P.A.R. Grading and Hauling for $63,355 to replace a culvert under Monroe Road. Storm Water Manager Jay Squires said since 2012, the city has completed four projects and has two under contract.

<p>Spartanburg has more than 100 miles of trails, but it's a disconnected system that needs to be linked with additional trails and a planned network, active living advocates told Spartanburg City Council Monday.</p><p>City Council will eventually endorse, or reject, the plan developed by Partners for Active Living and Alta Planning and Design planner Jean Crowther after five months of meetings with the public and stakeholders. The result is a Spartanburg Trails and Greenways Plan that outlines how existing trails can be extended so more people, who either use them for exercise or transportation, can benefit.</p><p>Partners for Active Living Executive Director Laura Ringo said that since the Rail Trail opened, participation continues to increase annually and people often ask when the trail system will be expanded or connected to other trails.</p><p>Ringo said trails are important because they're free to use, easy and safe to use, unify areas of a community, encourage economic development and are a tremendous tourist amenity.</p><p>The plan showed that trails, through reductions in carbon emissions, reduced traffic congestion and other benefits, has an economic impact of about $3.7 million annually. That number would increase to $13 million with continued trail investment and increased activity, Crowther said.</p><p>The plan recommends three types of trails: multi-use (such as Mary Black Foundation Rail Trail and Duncan Park Trail), natural surface trails (Cottonwood Trail, for example) and neighborhood greenway trails which use existing roads for short segments to link trails on quiet, calm streets.</p><p>The plan recommends 137 miles of trail, mostly off-street trails.</p><p>Responding to a question by Councilwoman Jan Scalisi, Crowther said the trails, and intersections, would be handicap-accessible. Crowther said planned trails that are included in a planned framework are often good candidates for state and federal grants.</p><p>In other business, Spartanburg County Voter Registration and Election Director Henry Laye gave council an update on the new law that requires photo identification to vote beginning in the November elections. To vote, you must present a S.C. driver's license, a S.C. Department of Motor Vehicles identification card, S.C. voter registration card with a photo, federal military identification or a U.S. passport.</p><p>Laye said his office is working to send out new voter registration cards to voters in the city after the redistricting process. The new cards will be sent out by the end of July and will be mailed out at the same time, to avoid confusion.</p><p>In other business, council unanimously agreed to annex the property at 300 Brian Drive into the city.</p><p>Council awarded a bid to Spartanburg-based P.A.R. Grading and Hauling for $63,355 to replace a culvert under Monroe Road. Storm Water Manager Jay Squires said since 2012, the city has completed four projects and has two under contract.</p>